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Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to valuable products could provide a transformative pathway to produce renewable fuels while adding value to the CO2 captured at point sources. Here, we investigate the thermodynamic feasibility and economic viability of the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction to various carbon-containing fuels. In particular, we explore various pathways for conversion of CO2 to dimethyl ether (DME), liquid propane gas, and renewable natural gas. We compare and contrast the use of two different proton sources, including hydrogen gas and water vapor at the anode, on the capital and operating costs (OPEX) of electrochemical systems to produce DME. The results indicate that the electrical costs are the most significant portion of OPEX, demonstrating costs of 0.2–0.6 $/kWh per metric ton of DME. DME production using carbon monoxide and formic acid as intermediates proved to be the most cost-effective, demonstrating levelized costs of energy of 0.28 $/kWh with over 0.15 $/kWh of cost recovery possible through renewable hydrogen tax credits and oxygen and hydrogen gas recovery.
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This content will become publicly available on March 1, 2026
Techno-economic analysis and network design for CO₂ conversion to jet fuels in the United States
The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into jet fuel holds significant potential for reducing CO2 emissions, providing an alternative to carbon-based resources, and offering a renewable means of energy storage. The objective of this study is to conduct a techno-economic analysis and optimize the supply chain network for converting CO2 to jet fuel in the United States, aiming to minimize total costs while assessing the environmental and economic feasibility of two CO2 conversion pathways. This first pathway is based on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), and the other one is based on the valorization and upgrading of light methanol (MeOH). Incorporating spatial and techno-economic data, a mixed-integer linear programming model was developed to select source plants and conversion pathways, locations of conversion refinery sites, and the amount of captured CO2 across the United States. The optimal results indicate that the FTS pathway is adopted at all selected refineries when the hydrogen price is $1000/t and the operating cost, mainly electricity used in conversion, is reduced to 5 % of its current level. Under this scenario, the total annual profit is $8B and the net carbon emissions are −88,783,284 tons. The sensitivity analyses reveal that the prices of electricity and hydrogen significantly contribute to total production costs. The CO2 recycle percentage of the FTS pathway influences the choice of applied pathways at refineries. Additionally, a higher conversion rate holds a substantial promise for reducing the total production cost and can make the MeOH pathway a viable choice.Not Available
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- Award ID(s):
- 1903572
- PAR ID:
- 10655479
- Publisher / Repository:
- Elsevier
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
- Volume:
- 210
- Issue:
- C
- ISSN:
- 1364-0321
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 115191
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Renewable jet fuelSupply chain optimizationCO2 reductionTechno-economic analysisLife cycle analysis
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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